PORT LOUIS, MAURITIUS AND THE CYCLONE GARANCE

We were into Port Louis the last day of February – or we were suppose to be. Cyclone Garance got us within 100km’s of the port as the swells were so high near the port, no vessel could go in or out. Therefore we turned around, went north and made random patterns to come back in the next day on the morning of 1st of March. We actually stayed over night although many of our provisions never made it to the port. The main brunt of the cyclone as you can see hit Reunion or .re (look at the random tariffs). They were devastated. If they ever sent the USA goods, that will not start up again for a very long time!

Mauritius is one of the smallest countries in the world at 2,040 sq. km. This island nation can be found just east of Madagascar in the middle of the Indian Ocean.  It is made up of the main island of Mauritius and several outlying islands. It is volcanic island formed by volcanic activity around 8 million years ago. However, no volcanic activity has been recorded on the island for over 100,000 years. Much of the island is made up of low-lying grasslands surrounded by towering mountains and rolling hills. The volcanic history of this island has resulted in some truly unique landscapes and environments. 

We stood randomly next to the cone of a dormant volcano, Triu Aux Cerfs, which is to the left and has been over taken by trees. It was not impressive but the view was interesting. We could tell the cyclone left this island mostly intact. The cute little red bird was very noticeable as he flew around.

Next up was the Grand Basin Lake temples. Many Hindu’s were there with offerings to the god’s they choose to honor. Although there were many random guests from two different ships (ours was the much smaller one), you could feel the reverence of those leaving offerings!

Next up was the Charmel area’s waterfall. Then traveling back down the hill we stopped by the Colored Earths, which is a relatively small area of sand dunes comprising sand of seven subtly different colors.

We had a stunning lunch with a view over the Indian Ocean at Le Charamel. Lots of people, a decent lunch and a decent restroom. The longer tours with lunches can be exhausting. Of course Mauritius was home to the once famed Dodo bird.

We missed two ports of call because of the delay caused by Garance; Reunion and Richards Bay where we wanted to see St. Lucia Nature Reserve which has Hippopotamus’s!!

With our delays we headed straight to Durban, South Africa. JJ is still having fun as only a dog can. Penguins wear suits! more later…maybe!